Overlooked Air Gun Activities for All Ages at Camp Perry

“We’re lucky to have this an hour away. My sister wants to come the next time, and my son wants to come the next time—I’m going to have to get a van or a bus.”

Steve Rehoreg, 64, of Sheffield, OH, spoke enthusiastically about the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center. He, among others, is part of the growing group of Baby Boomers and beyond who are discovering a place that many didn’t even know existed, to take part in an activity that actually caters to both the young and more mature age groups: air gun shooting.

Air guns are simple to operate—with small lead pellets used as ammo and a pump or CO2 cylinder to expel the pellets downrange. There is absolutely no recoil in the light-weight guns, and the firing sound is so quiet that hearing protection is not required.

The air gun range at Camp Perry features 80 electronic targets. Shot placement is instantly shown on a monitor located next to the shooter at each firing point.

The Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center at Camp Perry near Port Clinton, OH, is a $1.1 million expansion to an 80-point indoor range where only air guns are fired. The range contains 10-meter firing points, equipped with state-of-the-art electronic targets, and is facilitated by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP).

Steve became aware of the range after he and his friends discovered it during the National Matches at Camp Perry. Once he gave the air rifle a try, Steve was instantly hooked. He even bought one from the CMP North Store.

“It’s trigger time. In the winter, you can’t really shoot outside, so we come here, and it’s a lot of fun,” he said. “The weight is the same, the trigger pull is the same—there’s not much of a kick. It’s pretty much like any rifle you shoot.”

“You feel a little apprehensive shooting in front of people, but (the CMP staff members) make you comfortable and relaxed—everybody’s great,” he added.

The CMP hosts Open Public Nights for anyone interested in attempting air gun shooting. For those new to the sport, air guns are available for loan at the range. Guests may choose from sporter or National Match style air rifles or air pistols.

Mark Montgomery, 64, of Gibsonburg, OH, is just one of many regulars at Open Public Nights. A life-long lover of shooting, he found his way to the air gun range at Camp Perry one day and now shoots there several times a month.

After seeing other kids at the air range and wanting to teach his own grandchildren more about marksmanship, he brought them to an Open Public Night so they could find out for themselves how enjoyable it can be to shoot an air gun. Now they, like their grandpa, are infatuated with the range.

The air range has become a popular spot for families—a perfect place for family members of all ages to enjoy each other’s company in a safe and fun environment.

“I get calls after school, ‘Can we go to the CMP?’” Mark said, with a smile.

So far, Mark has brought three of his grandchildren to the range—with six more to go.

“They’ve all just loved it,” he added. “I’m going to keep adding one at a time.”

For Mark, one of the best parts about coming to the air range is getting to teach his grandkids qualities through air rifle that he believes will help shape them into responsible adults. And, because of the ease of the equipment and the helpfulness of the CMP staff, he is able to enjoy learning right alongside them on the firing line.

“The kids get to come here and be shown shooting by people who know what they’re doing,” he said. “I don’t want to make it sound too easy, but it’s a piece of cake. I’m half-blind and 64 years old and I can do it. Anybody can do it. The joy isn’t diminished by your age.”

Because of the ease of the air guns, the safety precautions administered within the range and the assisting equipment available for those in wheelchairs or with other disabilities, she is confident that shooting is also a sport that can appeal to anyone.

In fact, she and a group of women from her church even began their own “fun” team, which became known as the Annie OAKlies—named in homage to the famous American female sharpshooter and the nearby town where the women live, Oak Harbor, OH. The original group consisted of 10 women, ranging in age from 22 to 84.

But, before Ruth Ann convinced them to make a trip to the air range, various questions and concerns were raised amongst the group.

“I don’t know how to shoot. Is there a lot of recoil? Is it noisy?” they asked.

Ruth Ann talked to the women and assured them that firing on the electronic targets was fun and easy. She reminded them that all they had to do was sit in a chair, rest their rifles on a bench, pull the trigger and listen to the tiny “Plink!” of the pellet firing downrange.

With her explanation, the women decided to give it a shot. After a few weeks, their thoughts and feelings instantly changed.

“This is really fun. The range officers are so helpful and knowledgeable.” They said. Along with, “I really like coming here. Can I bring some of my own friends?”

Ruth Ann Anderson (back row, third from left) helped start a local air gun group for women called the Annie OAKlies. The OAKlies, spouses and friends all shoot for fun during the Open Public Nights at Camp Perry.

Eventually, spouses and friends of the OAKlies also began coming to Open Public Nights. They, like many others, are a part of the increasing number of curious Ohioans taking advantage of the world-class facility right in their own backyards—honing a new skill and having a great time along the way.